The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the Kwakiutl Indian Band have signed a Letter of Intent to establish a process for building a stronger relationship, with an emphasis on forming a mutual understanding of the 1851 Douglas Treaty.

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad and Kwakiutl Indian Band Chief Yakawilas Coreen Child signed the Letter of Intent in the Kwakiutl community on Nov. 9, 2015.

The Letter of Intent marks a significant step forward for the Province and the Kwakiutl people, and affirms a shared desire through respectful dialogue to help identify specific priorities, with a view to supporting the economic, health and well-being priorities of Kwakiutl Indian Band members.

In coming weeks, B.C. and Kwakiutl will assign representatives to develop terms of reference, as well as a plan for ongoing consultation and engagement.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“British Columbia and the Kwakiutl Indian Band are taking steps to build trust that will lead to reconciliation. The Letter of Intent is an important start in a renewed effort to support the well-being and priorities of the Kwakiutl community.”

Chief Yakawilas Coreen Child, Kwakiutl Indian Band –

“Our Nation has a historic and pre-confederation Treaty with the Crown, which serves as both basis and pathway for converging understandings of the so-called 1851 Douglas Treaty. The Kwakiutl believe in new beginnings and look forward to working with the minister in building a new and innovative process based on acknowledgment and implementation.”

Learn More:

The Letter of Intent is available here: http://ow.ly/UzJft